Relevance of Our Research Question:
In the past, similar research has been conducted with different types of water on plants. One known experiment performed was testing the wilt of flowers when they were placed in distilled, hard, soft, and lake water. This is somewhat similar to our experiment as we are using lake water, filtered water, and distilled water; however, instead of testing the wilt of flowers, we are testing the durability and growth rate of the plants.
Our research may relate to a question of what kind of water may produce the best results for indoor vegetation or greenhouse work.
Materials and Methods
The materials for this project include:
1. 36 Red Kidney beans
2. 36 Red beans
3. 72 8 oz. plastic cups
4. 40.5 pounds of Green Charm Potting soil
5. Measuring cups
6. 504 ounces Pond water
7. 504 ounces Distilled water
8. 504 ounces Filtered water
9. Electronic pH Tester
10. Metric Ruler
The procedure entails the following:
First, fill seventy-two eight ounce plastic cups with three ounces of potting soil. In thirty-six of the plastic cups, place one red kidney bean in each of the cups; in the other thirty-six cups, place one red bean in each cup. Then fill each cup with an additional six ounces of potting soil.
Next, place the individual cups in the greenhouse, giving each plant ample space to grow in between cups. To ensure that each plant receives equal amounts of sunlight, rotate the plants every three days for the duration of the experiment, which will last three weeks.
The types of water that will be used include distilled water, filtered water, and water from the Western Duck Pond. The control group will use the distilled water, as it is the purest form of water we are testing. Prior to watering the plants, the pH levels of the three different types of water will be tested with an electronic pH-level tester. Also, the turbidity of the waters and any additional nutrients or contaminants will be examined and noted.
Each of the two different types of bean seeds will be watered by each of the three different types of water. Of the two different seed groups (thirty-six red beans or thirty-six red kidney beans), twelve will be watered regularly with pond water, twelve with distilled water, and twelve with filtered water. The plants will be watered approximately the same time every day with 2 ounces of each specified water.
Once plant growth is visible, the growth rate of each individual plant will be measured with a metric ruler and recorded. This will be done each day after watering. Also, any discoloration of leaves, or any other noticable differences between the plants will be noted. After the three week growth period, the roots of each individual plants will be examined to determine any differences in thickness, stability, color, etc.
This experiment should be statistically sound, as any extra outside variables and experimental errors have been accounted for, such as a controlled greenhouse environment and a rotation of the plants to ensure equal sunlight.
To involve the class in our study, we plan to have them observe the plants and draw comparisons between the trials, hopefully reaching their own conclusions as to the final results of the effects of different types of water on the plants. They can also make suggestions as to how the data/experiment could be improved in terms of accuracy, method, and variation.
Data Sheet:
There will three data sheets. Each will contain the information on one of the three different water types. For example, the first sheet will contain the information needed for twelve red beans watered with distilled water, and twelve red kidney beans watered with distilled water. The day number will be listed, along with a space to record growth rate and any other observations. Example of three rows for one plant's data:
Day Plant type Water type Growth Rate Observations
---------------------------------------------------------------------
1
----------------------------------------------------------------------- 2
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
3R*
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
*R signifies a plant rotation day
Time Line of Research Execution:
10/1/98: Set up and begin experimentation
10/22/98: Finish watering the plants
10/23/98: Begin looking at plant's roots
10/25/98: Organize, summarize, and compare data collected
10/27/98: Draw final conclusions
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